Unit of competency details

Unit descriptor 

This unit covers the competency to mount artwork to substrates prior to framing. It includes dry and wet mounting, pressure rolling, laminating and hinging of artwork.

Application of the unit 

Prerequisite units 

Nil

Employability skills 

This unit contains employability skills.

Elements describe the essential outcomes of a unit of competency.

Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. Where bold italicised text is used, further information is detailed in the required skills and knowledge section and the range statement. Assessment of performance is to be consistent with the evidence guide.

ELEMENT 

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA 

1. Prepare for work

1.1. Artwork is assessed to determine the most appropriate mounting process, including the composition of substrate and fixing materials

1.2. Work requirements are identified from drawings/ specifications/instructions and/or workplace practices

1.3. Quality assurance requirements are identified and observed throughout the process in accordance with industry standards and workplace practices

1.4. Workplace health and safety requirements, including personal protection needs, are observed throughout the work

1.5. Tools, equipment and materials are selected and checked prior to use to ensure that they are appropriate for the work in terms of quality, serviceability and safety

1.6. Materials required are cut to size and assembled to industry standard and workplace procedures

1.7. Fixing agents (adhesives/plastic film/tissue) are positioned in accordance with workplace procedures

2. Dry mount artwork

2.1. Mounting equipment is set up according to operating procedures and workplace practices

2.2. Artwork is positioned on substrate according to job requirements and placed in mounting press

2.3. Mounting press is operated in accordance with manufacturer instructions, ensuring correct mounting temperature and/or pressing period

2.4. Assembled artwork is removed from press, inspected for quality and stored in accordance with workplace procedures

3. Wet mount artwork

3.1. Mounting equipment is set up according to operating procedures and workplace practices

3.2. Selected adhesive is prepared and applied to the substrate with regard for the type and composition of artwork to be mounted

3.3. Artwork is wet mounted to substrate according to job requirements and placed in vacuum press

3.4. Mounting press is operated in accordance with manufacturer instructions, ensuring correct pressing period

3.5. Assembled artwork is removed from press, inspected for quality and stored in accordance with workplace procedures

4. Pressure roller mount artwork

4.1. Rolling equipment is set up according to manufacturer instructions and workplace practices

4.2. Artwork is laminated using cold film in accordance with job requirements and workplace practices

4.3. Assembled artwork is inspected for quality and stored in accordance with workplace procedures

5. Laminate artwork

5.1. Laminating equipment is set up according to manufacturer instructions and workplace practices

5.2. Artwork is laminated in accordance with job requirements and workplace practices

5.3. Laminated artwork is inspected for quality and stored in accordance with workplace procedures

6. Hinge artwork to substrate

6.1. Hinging paper/pre-made hinging tape is assessed for compliance with job requirements

6.2. Starch paste is mixed to correct consistency and applied in conformance with workplace practices

6.3. Hinging paper is torn and fixed to artwork and substrate in accordance with workplace procedures

6.4. Hinged artwork is inspected for quality and positioned for further processing in accordance with workplace procedures

7. Complete work

7.1. Defective work is reported in accordance with workplace procedures

7.2. Scraps and off-cuts are removed for disposal/recycling as required by workplace procedures

7.3. Equipment and work area are cleaned in accordance with workplace procedures

7.4. Workplace documentation is completed as required

REQUIRED SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE 

This section describes the skills and knowledge required for this unit.

Required skills 

• collect, organise and understand information related to work orders, basic plans, and safety procedures
• communicate ideas and information to enable confirmation of work requirements and specifications, coordination of work with work supervisor, other workers and customers, and the reporting of work outcomes and problems
• plan and organise activities, including the preparation and layout of the work area and the obtaining of equipment and materials to avoid any back tracking, workflow interruptions or wastage
• work with others and in a team by recognising dependencies and using cooperative approaches to optimise workflow and productivity
• use mathematical ideas and techniques to correctly complete measurements, calculate quantities and estimate material requirements
• use pre-checking and inspection techniques to anticipate mounting problems, avoid re-working and wastage
• use the limited workplace technology related to mounting artwork, including tools, equipment, calculators and measuring devices

Required knowledge 

• the type, characteristics, uses and limitations of the various methods of mounting artwork
• the techniques, method, equipment and materials used to mount artwork
• types of artwork suitable for the various techniques of mounting artwork and the characteristics and interactions between the materials used
• quality and aesthetic requirements in mounting artwork
• workplace safety system requirements related to mounting artwork
• workflow in relation to mounting artwork
• awareness of the effect of this process on the artwork

EVIDENCE GUIDE 

The Evidence Guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria, required skills and knowledge, range statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Training Package.

Critical aspects of evidence 

• Identify, adjust and safely operate equipment
• Identify materials, ensuring quality and aesthetics, to be used in the work process
• Interpret work order and locate and apply relevant information to set up, operate, adjust and monitor equipment used to appropriately mount artwork
• Apply safe handling requirements for equipment, products and materials, including use of personal protective equipment, safety and environmental protection equipment
• Follow work instructions, operating procedures and inspection practices to:

• minimise the risk of injury to self and others
• prevent damage to goods, equipment and products
• maintain required production output and product quality

• As a minimum, demonstrate the ability to mount items of artwork in each form of mounting:

• wet
• dry
• laminating
• pressure roller
• hinging

• Work effectively with others
• Modify activities to cater for variations in workplace contexts and environment

Resource implications 

Appropriate mounting and/or laminating equipment for the technique being assessed, artwork, consumables. standard operating procedures and work area.

Method of assessment 

Assessment methods must confirm consistency of performance over time and in a range of workplace relevant contexts.

Assessment should be by direct observation of tasks and questioning on underpinning knowledge.

Assessment should be conducted over time and may be in conjunction with assessment of other units of competency which together form a part of the job role.

Context of assessment 

Assessment may occur on the job or in a workplace simulated facility with relevant mounting equipment, materials, work instructions and deadlines.

RANGE STATEMENT 

The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Bold italicised wording, if used in the performance criteria, is detailed below. Essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment (depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts) may also be included.

Unit context 

• Work requires individuals to demonstrate discretion, judgement and problem solving skills in the mounting of artwork
• Work is carried out in accordance with statutory requirements, environment legislation, manual handling procedures and relevant regulations and organisation insurance requirements
• OHS requirements may include legislation, standards, material safety management systems and local safe operating procedures
• Work may be performed in workplaces which are involved in the framing of a wide range of items, including, but not limited to those:

• for dry mounting original paper-based artwork, reproduction artwork, photographs, photographic reproductions, documents and posters
• for wet mounting/laminating reproduction artwork and promotional materials

Mounting artwork 

Artwork may be mounted to selected substrates by:

• dry mounting paper-based artwork using heat press and cold press
• wet mounting paper and canvas-based artwork using adhesives and vacuum press
• laminating paper-based artwork using pressure roller or laminating equipment
• hinging, prefabricated or custom made

Tools and equipment 

• For dry mounting, tools and equipment are to include:

• hard bed heat press
• soft bed heat press
• tacking iron
• piercing tool
• cutting blades
• measuring tapes and marking out tools
• overlay effect sheets
• silicone release paper

• Teflon and foam plastic blankets
• For wet mounting, tools and equipment are to include:

• vacuum press
• cutting blades
• measuring tapes and marking out tools
• scrapers
• glue/adhesive applicators (rollers and spray guns)

• For pressure mounting, tools and equipment are to include:

• pressure rolling equipment,
• cold film
• cutting blades
• measuring tapes and marking out tools

• For laminating, tools and equipment are to include:

• cold roller laminator
• laminating equipment
• cutting blades
• measuring tapes and marking out tools

• For hinging, tools and equipment are to include:

• straight edge
• thin brush
• weight bags
• mixing vessel and swizzle
• steam generator
• microwave oven

For dry mounting materials may include , but not limited to :

• medium density fibreboard (MDF)
• foam core
• screen board
• mat board
• heat and pressure sensitive films and tissues

For wet mounting materials may include , but not limited to :

• medium density fibreboard (MDF)
• foam core
• screen board and glues
• adhesives

For laminating materials may include , but not limited to :

• plastic film

For hinging materials may include , but not limited to :

• hinging paper (mulberry paper and rice paper)
• pre-made hinging tape
• wheat starch
• distilled water and methyl cellulose

Personal protection equipment 

Personal protective equipment is to include that prescribed under legislation, regulations and enterprise policies and practices. It may include overalls, boots and breathing protection.

Defects in artwork may include but not be limited to :

• lumps and bumps
• adhesive migration
• misalignment and use of incorrect adhesive

Adhesives are to include :

• ethyl vinyl adhesive (EVA)
• poly vinyl adhesive (PVA)
• starch paste
• heat and pressure sensitive tissues and films

Information and procedures 

• Workplace procedures relating to the use and operation of tools and equipment
• Manufacturer instructions for the use of equipment and materials
• Workplace procedures relating to OHS, reporting and communications
• Work instructions, including job sheets, plans, drawings and designs

Unit sector 

Picture Framing

Competency field 

Co-requisite units